A FRAIL 69-year-old stroke victim who endured a sickening rape in her council flat is still waiting for a new home five weeks after the ordeal.

Her angry family say they believe the delay has been caused because the pensioner does not have the required “housing points” for a move.

Council bosses deny the points claim. They say that they are in talks with the family and have offered the rape victim a bungalow.

The terrified widow, who has difficulty walking, still suffers flashbacks following her ordeal in the Birmingham block.

“We were staying with her,” said her niece, “and she screamed out in her sleep, ‘Don’t do that, get off me’. She was reliving what happened to her.”

As a victim of a sex crime, we cannot name the pensioner, who has lived at the property for eight years.

Relatives claim they have made numerous calls to Birmingham City Council’s housing department, but have been told that the widow does not have the required “points” to merit a move.

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“We are furious, absolutely furious,” said her niece. “They should’ve moved her as soon as it happened – they have safe houses. The bidding system has nothing to do with it.

“Every time I see my aunt she asks the same thing, ‘Have you any good news yet?’ I haven’t and it is heartbreaking. I can’t perform miracles.”

The pensioner was attacked after taking her dog for a walk and was so scared the animal would be injured by her assailant that she ordered the loyal companion to leave the room.

“With each day she is getting more depressed,” said another relative. “A helper told us what happened and my mum just broke down. When we got there, forensics were already at the flat. My aunt is distressed, but slowly getting better.

“But she is petrified and won’t fully recover while she’s in that place.”

Following the crime, it was discovered that £30 was missing from the flat, along with the victim’s mobile phone, which contained a picture of her late husband.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police confirmed that a 46-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the February 4 attack.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the individual has appeared at Birmingham Crown Court and has denied charges of rape, attempted rape and burglary. He has been remanded in custody.

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A BIRMINGHAM City Council spokesman said: “This lady made a new housing application on February 15.

“Given the trauma she had experienced and the unique facts of this case, an officer began procedures to bypass the usual bidding system for council properties and offer a direct let.

“This was agreed. A bungalow has been identified in the area that she asked for and we have discussed the proposal, including possible adaptations, with her relatives.

“She is also being given additional support from Older People’s Services to ensure she claims her full benefit entitlement.”